When the general practitioner is a domestic and family violence survivor: a qualitative study of professional effects and supports

Domestic and family violence (DFV) is common worldwide with many general practitioners (GPs) also being personally affected. Few studies have focused on the professional effects of being a doctor survivor. GPs work in a unique healthcare setting, yet we know little about how being a GP survivor affects work, the work-place and what supports they would most value. Twenty Australian GPs who self-identified as having experienced any form of DFV were recruited via two Australian GP Facebook pages. Semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken. An over-arching phenomenological approach was utilised throughout study design, data collection and analysis. Three themes were identified in the data: Keep calm and carry on; Fearing disclosure in the workplace; and Talking to someone like me. GP survivors generally had a ‘carry on’ mentality at work due to financial pressures, the culture of medicine and due to work being a safe space. Yet, some experienced symptoms that affected their work such as reduced focus and concentration. Workplace disclosure was feared due to concerns about judgement and stigma. GP survivors commonly accessed formal and informal supports without experiencing significant barriers, however peer support was highly valued, especially but not only through social media. There were some downsides to peer support such as vicarious trauma and confidentiality concerns. GP DFV survivors tend to have a ‘carry on’ mentality when it comes to work. GP DFV survivors may experience symptoms that affect their work and they need to be supported to take time off work if required. Concerns about judgement and shame as well as the perception that personal and professional matters should be kept separate mean that GP DFV survivors do not often disclose in the workplace. Peer support was the most valued form of support especially when peers had also experienced DFV. GP organisations and governments should consider implementing a model of confidential peer support for GP survivors.